Using terraces in the garden is one of the most popular methods for growing vegetables and flowers, as it has several advantages such as keeping the garden cleaner, better pest and weed control, and with higher yields and production. Beds can be constructed from many materials, but wooden beds remain the most common option. Today we are going to see which wooden decks are the best and how to maintain wooden decks.
Contents
Choose a stronger wood
Some types of wood are more resistant to decay produced by a combination of humidity, heat and fungus. The best wood comes from the following trees:
- Cedar: Juniperus virginiana and Thuja plicata are extremely hardy outdoor timber trees. They also contain antifungal and antibacterial substances.
- Cypress: Taxodium distichum is a very leafy tree with antifungal properties. The more yellow slats you choose, the better because they will come from older, stronger trees.
- Oak: The Quercus alba is a tree whose wood resists water and rot. It can last for many years.
- Pine: Pinus sp is the most common hardwood in Spain, it is much less resistant, untreated it will only last 4 years (Although I’m doing tests and so far it’s been 5 years and it lasts).
wood preservative
Although good wood is chosen, it is practical to apply a preservative that protects the wood for more resistance. There are many types of preservatives but it is better to use an ecological one because otherwise they can release toxic substances on the earth that we will end up ingesting. Some vegetable oils can be the following:
- Raw linseed oil: Traditionally, oil was used before the existence of chemical treatments. The only downside is that it takes a long time to dry. Don’t be tempted to buy another type of flaxseed oil that dries quickly because it will contain toxic compounds. The drying time is a few weeks, we will apply the treatment in a warm and ventilated place where we can let the wood dry for the necessary time. We will use a brush to apply it and we will dry the excess with a cloth. You can apply several layers but it is better to wait until they dry each time.
- Pure tung oil: The Tung is a tree of Asian origin whose seeds are used to extract oil. In ancient times it was used to treat ships and under optimal conditions it can take 3 days to dry. You have to look on the label that says pure and avoid those that say mixed with varnish.
- Pine tar: It is another ancient preservative used by the Vikings to coat their ships. It is made from the slow combustion of pine root resins. It is a very thick and viscous substance that is best heated to use it. At least two coats should be applied and drying may take a few weeks.
Outsunny steel garden bed 174x90x30 cm Includes…
- GARDEN BED: This 1.7m x 0.9m raised bed provides ample growing space to grow a wide variety of plants, vegetables, herbs, flowers, etc.
- NO BOTTOM: This planter is designed to be installed on soil or grass, as the absence of a bottom guarantees good drainage for your plants and greater breathability
- RESISTANT AND SPACIOUS: All-metal planter with a maximum height of 30 cm which allows you to plant plants with long roots. Its elevated design keeps weeds away, prevents…
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Includes a pair of gloves to protect your hands when growing your plants. It also comes with identification pegs to identify your crops or record their production process…
- TOTAL MEASUREMENTS: 174x90x30 cm (LxWxH). Planting area: 169x85x30 cm (LxWxH). A pair of gloves is included
Do not cover the terraces
Covering the wood with plastic is a mistake because instead of protecting it, it will increase humidity. It will also aggravate the drainage at the bottom and accelerate the decay of the wood. Why is this due? The water will be stored between the plastic and the wood, causing the fungi to come to the moisture generated. In addition, if we place a coating on the lower part, we will also make it difficult for oxygen to access the roots.
corner hinges
Excess heat and freezing cause the wood to shrink and expand, if we only use nails to hold the wood in the corners they will eventually separate. That is why it is advisable to use brackets or hinges to facilitate the union. By reinforcing the corners, the bed will be more resistant to temperature changes.
How to make raised beds
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